In 2023, Mayo Clinic Health System - Sparta made a pivotal donation of $12,500 to the St. Clare Health Mission of Monroe County, an organization dedicated to providing free care to underserved populations. This funding is being utilized to strengthen community health worker (CHW) programs, offering vital bilingual and bicultural support that empowers the local Latinx community, which comprises 92% of St. Clare's patient population.
 
Over 20% of St. Clare’s patients are medication-dependent type II diabetics. Despite access to high-quality healthcare and free prescription medications, many of these patients continue to struggle with controlling their diabetes, leading to further health complications.
 
The Mayo Clinic grant enabled St. Clare to hire a former patient, a Latina immigrant from the community, as a Community Health Worker in March. She was enrolled in the Milwaukee AHEC’s inclusive, Spanish-supported training program, where she overcame initial language barriers. Her certification process includes 120 hours of on-the-job training at St. Clare, where she has been instrumental in transforming the clinic's atmosphere.
 
Since taking on registration and intake duties, she has fostered a more welcoming environment, resulting in a 30% increase in patient visits. Starting in September, her role will expand to working directly with diabetic patients, helping them manage their condition using an evidence-based curriculum from an Immigrant Health Clinic in Texas. This approach addresses barriers to compliance, incorporates culturally adaptive nutrition coaching, and connects patients to necessary resources.
 
This work marks the beginning of a significant transformation at St. Clare, offering renewed hope and empowerment to the community.